If there’s one thing that snags me every time I set out to update the blog on our 2008 Parade Of Homes entry for this year, it’s certainly not time.  It’s that I have flat run out of clever headlines that involve the word “Parade.”  This time last year we were being doused with daily rain, so a “Raining On Our Parade…” headline was a no brainer.  Then you have all the references to when the parade comes marching in, and so forth.  I think it’s just time to retire the notion of being cute when it comes to said updates, so let’s move on to the latest progress.

The front elevation of the Parade Home, with masonry in progress.  A new brick from Boral is the primary facade with black mortar.

We’re a little over 60 days out from completion of this year’s Parade Home.  If you do the math, that’s the latter half of August, which is almost a month before the COHBA Parade of Homes.  I know.  We have some other special things happening with this house that will take place before the Parade.  So stay tuned.

Two rooms that create outsets to the facade are accented by taupe concrete brick with white mortar.  The entry will be a multi-colored stacked stone that will tie the two brick colors together.

The facade is nearing completion.  Once the finishing touches are added to the brick, we’ll move on to the stone and special tile accent we’re doing over the entry.  Hopefully that’ll all take place by late week in time for a site clean-up in preparation for concrete next week.

“Keepin’ it grill” under the back covered patio, where a grilling space is defined by brick pony walls.  This outdoor space will be quite cool when it’s done…

I am perhaps most excited about this patio and back yard.  It will be a true “outdoor space.”  Creating a great area under the covere of a patio can be some of the most unique and inexpensive living space you can get, and many people take it for granted, expecting that it’s too expensive or requires too much maintenance.  Here’s a little tip: you don’t have to dust or vacuum outdoor living spaces.  How’s that for maintenance?

The remaining pieces for the fire pit and water feature were ordered today.  More on that to come in a future update.  Until then, Parade On.